Culture & attractions along the Alto Adige Wine Road

Patronal feast: June 29th.

The church ruins date back to the 5th century AD. The building reminds of church buildings in Aquileia and Milan. During excavations, the old position of the altar as well as the relic chamber could be determined. The S. Peter ruin in Altenburg is probably the oldest Tyrolean church ruin. Its decay began with the closure of the church in 1782.

Source: Parish office Kaltern

The "Linticlar estate" is first mentioned in records dating from 1225 A.D. A hundred years later, the Cathedral Chapter of Trento, was being supplied with wine from the estate "auf dem Püchel", also known as "mansu a coste", on the orders of the Counts of Tyrol. Then, in 1537, the name "Turnhof" was first used, and later there are occurrences of the designation "Thurner Hof". With the drawing up of a new land register in 1848, the name finally became officially "Turmhof". The estate has belonged to the family since 1675.

It was most probably built at the same time (the end of the 12th century or the beginning of the 13th century) and probably used for fires that were used as signals. Kreideturm: the tower is situated just 50 m below Burg Hocheppan. Architectural style: a wall, which has now fallen down, surrounded the tower. There are still a few metres visible on the south side. On the other side there is a lower lying entrance that was probably used to light the fires. The inside of the tower is a narrow dark shaft. Walking: all walks to Hocheppan go past this tower.

Birthplace of the famous South Tyrolean composer and provincial director of music Sepp Thaler in the
Oberdorf quarter. Born in Auer in 1901, Thaler, who died in 1982, as a young man worked there as
choirmaster and organist. In 1922 he took over leadership of the local music band, holding the position
for 58 years. After the Second World War, in 1948 Thaler became the musical director of the Association
of South Tyrolean Music Bands and, from 1980, the Association’s honorary musical director.
Thaler composed numerous works for brass instruments and a variety of secular and sacred choral
pieces. A recipient of the Tyrolean Service Cross and other awards, the Sepp Thaler Music School and
the Sepp-Thaler-Weg in the Mitterdorf are named after him.

When the menhir was discovered during excavations, it stood at the western corner of Freienfeld Manor in burnt black soil, surrounded by a circle of stones. Some of these stones still circle the menhir.

The menhir is, in comparison to other menhirs, primitive, yet there is clear evidence of workmanship. The glacial erratic of quartz phyllite is 1.65 m high with a circumference of 1.95 m and is reminiscent of a cyclopic giant.

As with other menhirs, it is likely anthropomorphous and imitates, though remotely, the stature of a person. The menhir was presumably a place for worship of gods, heros or the dead. It is probably a male menhir, with three aligned holes, and wearing a clearly visible collar.

Patronal feast: June 26th

The church has been dedicated to the diocesan patron Vigilius of Trento and is a new building from 1491, in 1497 the vault was withdrawn. The tower belongs to the 14th century, on its north side are remains of a Christophorus picture from 1360/80, the “Kummernusbild” on the west side has been realized around 1420.

Source: Parrish office Kaltern

The panoramic view at the mount Penegal, on 1,737 m offers a stunning view towards the near Dolomites, the Brenta Dolomites as well as the Etschtal/Val d’Adige (South Tyrol) and the Val di Non (Trentino). Absolutely not to be missed especially in case of optimal weather conditions.

Maria Rast Chapel: the church can be found just outside the village, on the path of the same name. History: this is the first historical church building in the area. In 1874 Josef Vonstadl, the diocese architect designed the building, and it was built shortly after. The neo romantic style is clearly visible, the bell wall, cross vaulting, arched windows and much more. In the yard, if you look carefully, you will the mosaic Stations of the Cross made by the local artist Robert Scherer. Architectural style: this small church is a well-loved place of pilgrimage, even today. Marriages also take place here. Walking: a walk around this area is well worth it as it is not too strenuous. On longer walks from Girlan to St Michael, you can stop at this delightful little church.

Three-storey building with regular window axes and south-facing loggia in the Mitterdorf quarter. The
origin was a tower-like core at the southwest corner dating from the late 13th-century, extended in at
least five development phases between the 14th and 17th centuries to create the present structure.
Further developments took place in the neo-Classicist and Historicist periods. The two lower levels of
the three-storey loggia structure on the southern façade date back to the Renaissance; the finishing
balustrade with its Tuscan columns is a neo-Classicist addition from around 1800.

The people all have totally different personalities, there are no two alike. And this fact is worth studying. The best time is the morning, when your mind is still quite fresh. And the best place is Kaltern's main village market square. Just simply observe, with perhaps a cup of espresso, and - slow down the pace a bit.

Enjoy some ice cream near the fountain, no, here it's called gelato. Or perhaps even a cappuccino. But if you want to continue doing as the locals do in the afternoon, then it should be a glass of lightly chilled Kalterersee wine.

Castle basket ( Italian Castel Corba ) is a castle west of Bolzano in Appiano district Missian in South Tyrol. It is located below the castle ruins Boymont . The square tower house was from 1230 to 1235 , built by the Lords of basket, ministry officials of the Counts of Appiano . From the 14th century it was a fief in the hands of various Tyrolean noble families (including the fox Fuchsberg and Fieger , 1637 ) . The merchant Johann cleaner Reibegg of 1834 prompted a castle-like , romanticized conversion to a winning with decorative pinnacles housing and the construction of the chapel. [1 ] The crenellated tower house is now covered with a pyramidal roof . Are coupled Romanesque double windows on the sides. In 1877, the native of Greifswald Teßmann family acquired the property . Their son Friedrich Tessman was born at Castle basket and was a noted jurist and historian Tyrol. According to him, the State Library was named in Bolzano.

In lieu of the parish chapel built in Widum itself under parish priest Paul Nardin, a free-standing and somewhat larger Widum chapel was built in the courtyard in 1869 under parish priest Johann Clauser. It is dedicated to St. John of Nepomuk. The parish with its vaults at ground level, flight of stairs to the 1st floor, and the window and doorframes made out of stone is one of the most ancient buildings in Auer/Ora. It was renovated and extended in an exemplary manner by parish priest Peter Paul Hofmann in 1992. In addition to the parish flat, it houses rooms for the church associations as well as small and large parish rooms.

Festivities:
S. Antonio da Padova: June 13 th
Francesco d’Assisi: October 4th

The first Franciscans came to Bolzano during the lifetime of S. Francesco, probably in 1221. In the framework of the reform guided by Bernardino of Siena a second propagation wave of the Franciscans took place. In this context the monastery foundations of Kaltern were built. Claudia de Medici, Provincial Princess of Tyrol and promoter of the Franciscan movement, donated the ruins of the Rottenburg to the Franciscans, which were destroyed at the beginning of the 15th century. Parts of the garden area for the construction of the church and monastery. At the beginning of the 18th century, the church was expanded to the present state. The image of St. Anthony of Padua on the right-hand side altar is of great importance for piety. The Antonius cycle in the cloister was painted in 1721 by Matthias Pußjäger.

Source: Parrish office Kaltern

The viewpoint at the mountain station of the Mendel cable car, offers a breathtaking view on Kaltern and the Dolomiti mountain peaks of Rosengarten/Catinaccio and Latemar.

This wonderful panoramic point is right next to the church in Altenburg/Castelvecchio and offers a stunning view towards Lake Kaltern and the homonymous village. Northwards you can see the mountain peaks of Hirzer/Punta Cervina and Ifinger/Picco Ivigna, but also the Sarner Scharte/Forcella Sarentina and the Rittner Horn/Corno del Renon. Eastwards instead you can see the peaks of Rosengarten/Catinaccio and Latemar, while southwards the view sweeps across the Etschtal/Val d’Adige.

The Hausmann-Locherer estate dates from the Renaissance period, was built in the second half of the 16th century and is characterised by architectural elements of Nordic and Italian origin that are typical of the Überetsch/Oltradige architectural style. Architrave-shaped windows and an entrance portal with a round arch decorate the façade of the building. Above this round arch is the coat of arms of Andrä Locherer from 1593, consisting of a unicorn standing on its hind legs. The interior rooms with their central hall are arranged symmetrically. Some rooms have stuccoed ceilings, others are covered with 17th century woodcarving decorations. The entire building encloses an inner courtyard.

 

The parish church of St. Gertrude in Magrè sull Strada del Vino is one of the most curious churches in Bassa Atesina, since the church tower is separated from the nave by a street. This, however, was not always the case. The church was first documented in the year 1343; at this time, the nave was located next to the tower and was considerably smaller than it is today. In 1466, the church was rebuilt and the church tower, which contains two beautiful bells from the 16th century, was made taller in 1513. At the beginning of the 17th century, the rectory was built and building on a larger parish church was begun. For lack of space, the church was built on the other side of the street, which led to its separation from the tower. The new church was dedicated to St. Gertrude and the old building was torn down. The baroque interior of the St. Gertrude parish church is one of the most beautiful in Alto Adige. It is very bright and clearly structured. The altar wall is made of stucco marble and shows a fresco of St. Gertrude. The only original furnishings which remain are the side altars, certain sculptures and some paintings.

Our hiking tip: Outside the Kreuzstein Inn You follow the path a few minutes down to this special place of energy. (Time: approx. 15 minutes)

Old Joseph's Church

The old, small church was constructed in 1639 and dedicated to Saint Joseph. The tower was only added in 1865. This church is one of the oldest churches in Tyrol dedicated to Saint Joseph. The interior is arranged like a Capuchin church. The church was extended in 1845.
The church is not open for visitors.

Parish Church Saint Joseph the Worker

Because the old church became too small for the population in Vilpian in 1900, the community planned to build a new church. Due to the difficult financial situation and World War II, the construction of the new church only began in 1949; the bare brickwork was concluded in 1950, and finally in 1955 the church was consecrated. It is a modern, austere sacred building. Over the main altar, there is a life-size crucifix dating from the 17th century. It is an item on loan from the Meran Civic Theatre and is the most important piece of art in the church. The renowned painter Franz Lenhart from Meran painted the two adoring angels on the façade and the monogram of Jesus above the round window over the entry. The bell tower was not realized at the beginning, due to financial reasons. Only in October 1996, was the new tower constructed within a short period of time.

Catholic services: Sat. 7 pm (every 1st, 3rd and 5th saturday), Sun. 10.45 am (every 2nd and 4th)

Although it is not really in the area of the municipality of Kaltern, the ruin Leuchtenburg, which can be reached through a nice walk, belongs to Kaltern's skyline. Built in 1250 by the lords of Rottenburg, it was protected by its location and by an imposing wall. Many castles of the Rottenburgers were honed after their conflict with Duke Friedrich IV of Tyrol in 1410, but the Leuchtenburg passed into the possession of the landlord, who gave it to the respective mainmen of Caldaro. For a long time the Leuchtenburg was also the seat of the judge of Kaltern. In the 17th century the ruin ceased to be used, it was abandoned. Parts of the wall and the palace with frescoes from the 15th century are still well preserved. Always worth seeing: The beautiful view of lake Kaltern from above, the South Tyrolean wine road and the Adige Valley. Perfect location for a picknick.

The Museum of People through Time documents the impressive life of humankind over different periods. With more than 5,000 exhibits you can discover, step by step, the development from prehistoric man, who lived from hunting and collecting edibles, up to modern civilization. Admission ticket: €5.50 adults €4.00 groups (10 or more) €2.50 children (7-14 years, in classes) €11.00 families

About 1300 the Boymont family built a small church on this spot and employed the chaplain Perdonig. From the 18th century onwards, the chaplain was resident here, and travelled back and forward to Perdonig. Today, a pensioned dean lives here and reads the mass. Architectural style: parts of the walls at the entrance, from the Romanesque, and wall frescoes in the apse in the eastern part have been preserved. The apse was renovated at a later date. You can also find Baroque red chalk inscriptions and two square windows that are set into an arch. The late Gothic tower has a pyramid shaped roof. The entrance in the eastern part was given a stone frame between 1645 and 1649. Peculiarities: the carved altar and the pictures and relieves from the 16th and 17th century are well worth seeing. The early Gothic gravestone of the Boymont family, which has been moved to the Bozen Town Museum, came from this church. Walking: if you walk to Paulser Aich, or from Eppan/Berg towards St Pauls, you will pass this beautiful little church. It can also be incorporated into walks to Perdonig or Boymont and Festenstein, Hocheppan and Schloss Korb (starting in St Pauls). An ideal starting point is the hotel and restaurant St Justinahof.

North of Wolfsthurn Castle, on the hiking trail from Andriano to the Bittner farm, on a flat slope called Schlosspichl you will find a magnificent chestnut grove.
Chestnut trees of different ages stand on the green meadow and have a special aura due to their fresh, light green foliage. One large oak tree dominates the chestnut grove majestically, which thanks to its position is much warmer than the surrounding forest and radiates vitality through its radiant colours.

A place to fall in love! A place that allows hikers to rest and that is a natural playground for children.   From the chestnut grove a short path leads to a small hill with a cross and several benches, from where you can enjoy a magnificent view of Andriano and the Adige valley.

The castle's castle consists of an older Gothic castle dating from around 1450 and a western annex from the Renaissance around 1530, in which today's hotel is housed.In the core of the house are remains of a late medieval fortification tower.

The romantic courtyard with fountains and old cedars is framed by 17th and 18th century buildings.

Englar is considered the best preserved gothic castle in South Tyrol The castle was not designed as a defensive castle, but as a noble nobility, it was intended to underline the social position of the then-builders of the Counts of Firmian.

The square building is completed by an imposingly steep Gothic roof and was at that time a revolutionary technical achievement.

Today, our house opens its hospitable gates for travelers and recreation seekers who are sensitive to the generous and stylish ambience of a historic building and appreciate a special and comfortable atmosphere.

The ensemble with ancient trees is rounded off by the Gothic church church of St. Sebastian near the house as well as the adjoining estate with fruit and wine cultures, a small duck pond, an extensive chicken farm and animals lovingly farmed by our

North tower with 13th

-century bell-tower, set deep in the ground owing to flooding by the Schwarzenbach stream, dating back to
a Romanesque predecessor that itself replaced a medieval building. Work on the present-day nave began with the late-Gothic
choir polygon in 1475: the master builder was Peter von Ursel from Tramin. The nave was completed in 1526 under Hans Lutz of

Schussenried. The presbytery façade features sandstone corner blocks, triangular pilaster strips and decorated joints. The three-
bay nave is also divided by triangular pilaster strips. There is a monumental fresco of St. Christopher dating from 1516 on the

western façade. The porch, in Renaissance style, dates back to Pastor Josef a Porta from the year 1604.
Inside the church is an early-Baroque high altar from 1621 with an altarpiece by Theophil Polack. The side altar holds a high
altarpiece by Franz Sebald Unterberger that was once in the former Chapel of St. Barbara at Castelfeder. Of rarity value are the
iron tabernacle from 1609 and the Schwarzenbach organ from 1599, the oldest in South Tyrol.

Church near the graveyard. If you like to visit the church, you get the key in the Tourist Office - we need a deposit.

The Peace Path, which leads from Kaltern to St. Peter in Altenburg, was developed from 1995 to 2000 in a joint project of the Maria Himmelfahrt Parish, Project Tau and the village municipality of Kaltern.It meanders from St. Anton through the Rastenbach gorge to the church ruins of St. Peter in Altenburg. Along the way, artists have created five sculptures that serve as points of reflection. The sculptures represent the themes of Moderation, Wisdom, Justice, Faith and Hope. The Rastenbach gorge represents Courage and the St. Peter church ruins represent Love.

The wonder of walking! So much has already been written and said about the marvel of walking and if you're a hiker, you already know what we mean. Walking grounds you and keeps you gently connected with nature. The pace is just right and leaves space for your thoughts; it also gives you the chance to observe details in nature and make necessary life adjustments.

You can't visit the castle as it is a centre for further education. You could walk to the castle and have a look from the outside.

The Lago Santo (Holy Lake), situated in the Cembra Valley in Trentino, near the South Tyrolean border, sits at approximately 1,200 meters in altitude and is enveloped by dense alpine forests. Its crystal-clear waters make it a popular spot for anglers and hikers seeking peace and breathtaking mountain landscapes.